Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, presided over his inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square on May 18, 2025, in front of a crowd of tens of thousands.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, and Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco attended the Mass marking the beginning of the pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.
Among the other royal attendees were Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, as well as Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein. After the Mass, members of the royal families, along with other heads of delegation, proceeded to St. Peter’s Basilica to greet His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.
Does anybody know who the lady with auburn hair in the black dress next to Felipe is? She looks a bit like Fanny Ardant when she was younger. An elegant and beautiful appearance.
ReplyDeleteMaría Jesús Montero, First Vice President of the Government of Spain
DeleteShe's Maria Jesús Montero, the Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of the Spanish Government
DeleteThank you both for the information!
DeleteLeticia is perfect. Lovely, properly tailored dress. Mathilde is a lovely woman but she dresses older than her age. Charlene's dress is nice but not quite fitted well through the bust and GDMT wore her bathrobe.
ReplyDeleteJanet
GDMT is also not covering her head.
DeleteQueen Mathilde is wearing the same outfit she wore when Pope Francis came on state visit to Brussels. Everybody liked her in this white Dior outfit. Now all of a sudden she dresses too old. I can give you the names of other royals who dress to old, but I won't start a useless discussion here.
DeleteMaria Teresa doesn’t need to cover her head. You’ll see from the majority that this was not the dress code. However if she’d gone for a personal meeting in the Vatican with the Pope she would have covered her head with a mantilla and you can see in one photo that she is carrying one. I don’t think these Royal ladies get these dress details wrong; they are very well prepared and advised.
DeleteWhat should he have worn to look younger?
DeleteQueen Mathilde looks elegant!
ReplyDeleteNon, MT aurait dû avoir une mantille blanche comme Charlene Mathilde et Maxima (en noir car catholique mais pas Pays Bas même religion). Faute de sa part.
DeleteE5 sa tenue robe de chambre...grosse catastrophe !!!
My favourite fashion here is Albert’s hat. That looks like the only comfortable way to sit out in the full sun dressed in a suit!
ReplyDeleteI think it makes him look like he’s taking in a match at Wimbledon.
DeleteAs a person who has 12 cancers caused by sun exposure surgically removed (and waiting to have a 13th removed) I applaud Albert for protecting his head by wearing a hat. I feel certain he would not have chosen a hat that was not appropriate or approved for such a ceremony. Janet
DeleteSeveral of the priests in attendance were also wearing hats as well. Nothing wrong with it.
DeleteLa princesse Charlene est élégante de la tête aux pieds.
ReplyDeleteTrès belle robe .
Charlene is my favorite too, very elegant
DeleteCompletely agree. Best dressed and most appropriate mantilla
DeleteHSH Charlene and Queen Letizia are my choices for most stunningly elegant!
DeleteIn picture N° 4 one can see Belgium's prime minister Bart De Wever and his wife who are present too. They are walking just behind King Philippe and Queen Mathilde.
ReplyDeleteAll the "White Queens" do look lovely, with the - sigh - exception of GD Maria-Teresa. What the heck is wrong with her? Her look for Pope Francis' funeral also wasn't the best. As for the "Black Queens" (I know, of course, that HP Sophie of Liechtenstein is per se no queen; if she were, she also could wear white), they also looked fab. If I had any say in the matter - which, of course, I don't - I would ban military uniforms to be worn for ceremonies in the Vatican, with the exception of the Swiss Guards, and some Italian Carabinieri as Guards of Honour, and the likes. But guests, no.
ReplyDeleteDSC, perhaps you will think it splitting hairs, but Prince Alois is regent for his father, not ruling in his own right, therefore it would be premature for Sophie to wear white. Chris L
DeleteI read that Maria Teresa is wearing Natan. That would explain the stiffness of the fabric. As for the oversized dress, it is what she wears. She needs to wear petite sizing.
DeleteI was just wondering why some ladies wore white and others black. So Queens wear white and others black?
Delete//Anna
@ DSC
DeleteThe best the majority of the kings can wear is their black "gala" uniform. King Philippe, Grand Duke Henri, King Felipe (they are all 3 very handsome in their uniform) and maybe some other high military officers..... They all have other uniforms but they are not black. One could also ask ourselves : Do we also have to ban the white robes of the Arab heads of state and their typical head covers ?
@ Anonymous 18:42
DeleteThe fabric of Maria Teresa's dress is "broderie anglaise". It has nothing to do with Natan. The only thing Natan can do is to make what she wants. They can do.her suggestions, but if she insists on having a dress style that doesn't suit her in a fabric that is too stiff.....
@Anon 20:34 aka Anna: If you are a catholic Queen married to a Catholic King you are allowed to wear white, if you want to. Also applies if your Head of State is not a King but goes by another title, such as Prince Albert of Monaco (both he and Charlene are catholic). In contrast, Q.Maxima is catholic, but King WA is not so she doesn't have the choice to wear white. (I'm not advocating this rule, just explaining what it is since you inquired.)
Delete- Anon 9:13
@Anna It is referred to as privilège du blanc. Only queens or consorts of Catholic monarchs are able to wear white. All other royalty wears black. Maxima is a Catholic but does not have privilège du blanc because she is married to a non-Catholic.
DeleteAnna, the tradition of royal women wearing white when meeting the Pope is rooted in a longstanding custom called "privilege du blanc." This privilege allows certain female dignitaries, particularly queens and empresses, to wear white when they meet the Pope, which is considered a sign of special respect and honor.
DeleteThe origin of this privilege dates back to the 16th century when it was granted to the Queens of Spain. Over time, it was extended to other royal women in Europe, particularly those who were Catholic. The privilege essentially grants them the right to wear white as a symbol of purity and to stand out in the presence of the Pope, while other women, including princesses or female diplomats, would typically wear black.
@Anon 22:41 Natan is well known for still, and at times, unique fabrications. It is something that is mentioned here often over the years.
DeletePour quelques dames, la couleur blanche est de sortie ; celle de Maria-Teresa me fait penser à un grand peignoir sans porter de mantille - Albert a eu la bonne idée de porter un chapeau ainsi que les lunettes sous ce grand soleil !
ReplyDeleteThe queens with the “ privilège du blanc” look all very elegant and stylish.
ReplyDeleteQueen Maxima in her black trousers: a no for me.
At Anon 18:35, Queen Máxima is not wearing trousers, but a long (and well know) Valentino skirt with two splits.
DeleteAgree !!
DeleteShe isn't wearing trousers. Its a long skirt.
DeleteBeautiful! I saw the post this morning, but didn't comment right away. Thanks for posting, Helen. Christine
ReplyDeleteLetizia has a wonderful elegant dress however I would have preferred it to be knee length. The jacket of Mathilde is perfect but skirt unfortunately to voluminous and the same goes for the dress of Maria Theresia. I love the classic dress of Charlene. Maxima today very disappointing. Does she wear trousers or a strange skirt? My question would btway be why are some wearing black and others white
ReplyDeleteNever heard of the "privilège du blanc". A catholic queen married to a catholic king can wear white. If the head of the state is a Prince like in Monaco, the rule is the same. Princes Sophie of Liechtenstein didn't wore white because the Prince isn't head of state yet, his father is. Queen Maxima who remained catholic after her marriage cannot wear white because her husband is not catholic.
DeleteQueen Mathilde's skirt is not too voluminous, it is not a wide pleated skirt. It is the same outfit she wore at the state visit of pope Francis to Belgium. Since she is very tall I do not see in what way her skirt can be too voluminous. I've seen better pictures on other sites of Queen Mathilde.
Anon 22.10, you're absolutely right! The privilège du blanc is quite specific and tied to a queen's status as both Catholic and married to a Catholic king or prince. It's not a blanket rule for all royals, but rather for those in these particular circumstances, which you pointed out. For example, even if a royal woman is married to a Catholic head of state, like in the case of Monaco or Liechtenstein, she may or may not be granted the privilege based on her own position in the family and the specific traditions of the country.
Delete@ Anon. 06:07
DeletePrincess Charlene became catholic before she got married to Prince Albert. The princes of Liechtenstein are catholic already. Princess Sophie will have to wait until her father in law passes the trone to his son, her husband. Then she can wear white too on occasions like this.
Signed Anon 22:10
The inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV. was not about fashion. It does not seem quite appropriate to me that you are making a fashionable occasion out of it.
ReplyDeletePope Leo XIV. - even before the conclave - as Cardinal Prevost and Superior of the Augustinian Order was to come to my country on the first of June. With his election as Pope, the plans have changed. But I hope he will come another time. I had the honor of meeting Pope John Paul II. and Pope Francis, and it was an unforgettable experience.
Stephanie
PS: I don't like Letizia's look - she looks like a bride at a wedding. (Yes, I know rule"privilege of white dresses").
You are contradicting yourself: read your first and last sentences please!
DeleteTo 21:42
DeleteI would really like it if the author of the blog did not reduce events such as Catholic religious ceremonies to fashion occasions for ladies who have married into the royal family. As a Catholic, I feel that it is wrong to use religious events as a backdrop for fashion creations.
I commented on Letizia from Spain because her photo is simply published here. But I would prefer if the attention was focused on the most important person at this event - the new Pope. Or- if the pope is not interesting for you, rather not publish photos from Vatican events at all. There are enough social events, receptions, which are more suitable for reflecting fashion.
Stephanie
I, too, am puzzled. Since you reversed yourself and made a fashion critique, I will say that I do not agree with your assessment of Letizia. She has my favorite look. I also do not agree that we shouldn't be discussing fashion in this situation. This is a very celebratory time, not a funeral. To the faithful, fashion is second, but I think it is fair game.
DeleteStephanie, thank you for sharing your perspective as a Catholic. I appreciate your concern about the importance and sacredness of religious ceremonies.
DeleteThis blog focuses on the public appearances and fashion of royal ladies, wherever they attend—be it a state banquet, a charity visit, or a religious service. I assume that intention is never to diminish the meaning of any event…
I agree with Anonymous 01:36 & 14:07.
DeleteAlthough the inauguration ceremony of a new pope is a religious ceremony, it is also a feast in the catholic church. Stephanie, when I read your comment you make it sound as if the inauguration mass is a sad ceremony. I think it is not. The cardinals and bishops are welcoming their new boss and leader. I think they are not sad but happy to have a holy father again and so are the catholic people all over the world.
I just read that some royal families who are roman catholic have the so called " privilege de blanc" so they are allowed in the protocol of the pope to wear white: Spain, Luxemburg, België and Monaco
ReplyDeleteThe ladies look so lovely in their mantillas and elegant dresses ♥️!
ReplyDeleteI cringe for Grand Duchess Maria-Teresa. To echo another commenter: What in the world happened?! 😳. It is very unlike M-T to choose such an unflattering outfit. And she appeared to be quite unhappy, at least in these photos. I hope she was not feeling under the weather. — Jane
Mathilde and Charlene both hit the right note.
ReplyDeleteCharlene dress beautifully sat where it fell. Perfection!
Mathilde looks good in this style.We saw similar wears during the State visit to France.Elegant.
Letizia was a bit of a disappointment. Not her usual A game.
As for GD MT she looks like she’s just wrapped herself in beach robe. How does a person with access to the best designers and unlimited budget get it so wrong time and time again.No head scarf or hat. Whether it’s expected or not. It’s the Holy City and the Inauguration of the Holy Father,a head covering would have been respectful.
Maxima brought the style in her choice.As did CP Victoria and Princess Sophie.
Was there representation from Denmark?
Lowri.
Queen Mathilde wore Dior and Princess Charlene wore Elie Saab : two brands who know how to make a dress that fits.
DeleteGD Maria Teresa made the same mistake she made at the funeral of Pope Francis. The dress style was the same, just the color was different and no mantilla on both days. Her neckline was to deep for such an occasion.
She is not required to wear a mantilla. I think it would have looked better, but these rules were relaxed after Vatican II.
Delete@Anon. 01:38
DeleteI didn't say she must wear a mantilla. I just compared her with the other royal ladies. The deep neckline is probably not a rule that is relaxed after Vatican II !
Where did Maria Teresa think she was going? Maybe to a wedding?. And Letizia is the best dressed, but a terrible choice of nude shoes. However, we have to overlook that because her foot problems are very painful, and she can't wear whatever she wants, just something comfortable that doesn't cause her pain when walking or even just standing. Charlene also looked very pretty, but Mathilde failed with that two-piece suit.
ReplyDeleteI personally don't like white shoes because I think they look cheap. I would have worn nude shoes, too. The benefit of nude shoes is that they elongate the leg.
Delete@ Anonymous 21:33
DeleteThere are pretty white shoes with a lower heel.
I agree anon 1:41 - for me white heels look cheap. I don’t know why, but this is my feeling on white heels - and I much prefer contrasting or nude or beige shoes with white.
DeleteEveryone in white looks spot on for the occasion. MT did not wear a vail the dress was nothing special either. She should know better. All other ladies who wore the black was fine. I think the best looked Q Mathilde.
ReplyDeletecss
Comme toujours Charlène a fait le meilleur choix
ReplyDeleteFroufrou
Winner: Charlène. This Elie Saab dress is perfect on her. Checked it out on the Elie Saab website. Lovely intricate embroidery. Compact white clutch and a delicate shorter lace veil. So chic and classy.
ReplyDeleteRunner-up: CP Victoria. Saw her on another site. Graceful and perfect in black.
Fail: MT. She's short and boxy in stature - and then this voluminous 'bathrobe'.
It's almost cartoonish.
My opinion, you have yours.
HH
Did GD Marie-Therese really wear a bathrobe?
ReplyDeleteNo, she wore a white dress which she thought to be pretty and appropriate. We can trust all these high profile ladies are really doing their best.
DeleteObviously she didn't wear a bathrobe. The repeated bathrobe comments are only demonstrating a lack of imagination and fashion knowledge. It is a style of dress that she prefers. She isn't the only one. Mathilde and Maxima wear this same cut. They just wear the correct size. I think it is too big for her, like most of what she wears. I also think she could have dressed in a more demure manner. What we need to keep in mind is that we are all going by what is reported in the media, but they have direct contact with their host when planning what to wear. We may believe one thing based on years of history and tradition, but the protocol could have changed. If the rules are more relaxed, it is a bit of a shame. There are times when I prefer tradition.
DeleteWell, I think all had been said, i do like the ladies in white except obvious for MT, but honestly i can not recall i singel time i have posted anything positive about her choices, i just for get her sense of style. And as many of you im disappointed with Queen Max! But i dont think is pants, but long skirt.
ReplyDeleteAnd the British? And Denmark?
Luna
The King's brother The Duke of Edinburgh was there.
DeleteIt's universal, people want good weather for an outdoor event, but people end up squinting and warm in the sun. Chris
ReplyDeleteL'intronizzazione del Santo Padre è stata commovente. Quanto ai Royal per le Dame metto al primo posto Charlene di Monaco: bellissimo abito e accessori, mi sarebbe piaciuta una mantilla un po' più lunga, ma va bene. Al secondo posto metto la Principessa Vittoria: perfetta, come lo fu sua Madre al funerale di Papa Franciscus. Al terzo posto: Sophie del Liechtestein: perfetta, adoro la baguette Fendi.
ReplyDeleteUn No totale per la GMT: abito terribile senza Mantilla: No!
La regina Matilde sarebbe stata perfetta, se non fosse per quella gonna terribile: plissettata. E' chiaro che è il mio gusto.
La Regina di Spagna: no alle scarpe color nude, e l'abito forse un po' troppo lungo, comunque bella.
Maxima molto bella ed elegante, forse la gonna un po' troppo all'avanguardia, ma comunque: sempre impeccabile.
Nota di Merito a Matteo Marzotto: perfetto in abito maschile da Cerimonia: frac.
The king and queen of Belgium and Spain are such handsome couples and both very well dressed for this happy occasion.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with someone saying that this ceremony should not have been covered on this fashion blog.
ReplyDeleteBasically and technically, this is an enthronement ceremony and the Pope can be considered as a Monarch in his own territory.
When King Charles ascended the throne, the related ceremony was covered and fashion was also discussed accordingly.
The Pope Is the Head of the Catholic Church , King Charles is also the Head of the Anglican Church.
The Danish King has ties with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Denmark and his enthronement- together with Mary as Queen Consort- was equally covered and discussed on this fashion blog.
I can't spot any differences as to the core meaning of these enthronement ceremonies.
Of course, protocols, traditions ,symbolism and peculiar features make each ceremony a monad of its own.
Beyond individual sartorial choices, what impresses me most is the way all these different Heads of State and dignitaries are sitting one next to the other, peacefully.
They are all there sharing the same moment, differences having been smoothed in a sense and for a while.
They all focused on the same event , they all came together for the same purpose.
There was a sense of unity in a way.
Pity, when all was over , everyone got back to their countries, that peaceful , celebratory and joyous atmosphere has gone now, lost again in some mindless, deadly game of chess.
That unity Is broken again, the puzzle of individual interests takes the lead and disruption prevails over harmony.
Just my thoughts.
My fashion preferences: Letizia, Charlene and Mathilde.
Nope to Maria Teresa's outfit, sorry.
*They all were there sharing...
Delete* smoothed out
You're absolutely right: the Pope, as the sovereign of Vatican City and spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, occupies a role that holds both religious and monarchical weight. In that context, covering his enthronement alongside those of other monarchs like King Charles or King Frederik is very much in keeping with this blog’s approach. Each ceremony, while unique in tradition and symbolism, shares that common thread of state, faith, and formality—which often brings striking sartorial choices into view.
DeleteCharlène est vraiment superbe, délicate.
ReplyDeleteTO anon 10:16, 14:10
ReplyDeleteI respect your point of view, but I think that the inauguration of a Pope is not the same ceremony as the inauguration of a King (Charles III.) or a Danish King, who are - only FORMALLY - the head of the church in their countries. The Pope is not only the formal head of the Catholic Church, he is an ordained priest and bishop, very closely connected with the everyday life of the global Catholic Church = that is not at all the case with Charles III. of the UK or King Frederik of Denmark! On the contrary, they are civil persons, secular persons, they do not perform religious ceremonies.
So IT IS NOT the SAME!
Of course, I cannot prevent anyone from commenting on the appearance of participants in Vatican religious ceremonies. I also respect freedom of speech.
But it seems inappropriate to me - maybe because I am a Catholic (not a bigot, I assure you, but a sincere believer).
The Vatican's uniform dress code was introduced precisely so that people could focus on the essentials - on spiritual matters, matters of faith, not to deal with fashion.
However, since the photos are available, I will comment on it. I do not like the wedding look of the ladies from the royal families, using the "privilege du blanc". It is something that catches the eye. The very word "privilege" evokes unpleasant connotations. Before God, we are all equal.
If I were in the place of one of the European queens, I would not use this old custom - I would try to focus the spotlight on the main thing.
(I am from a republic where about 75% of the population professes the Catholic faith.)
That is my belief.
Stephanie
The Queen of Spain's veil is exquisite (don't like her shoe choice though). Grand Duchess MT looks like she's wearing an eyelet bathrobe and I'm surprised she's not wearing a veil. I would expect her to have one on that goes to the floor.
ReplyDeletePost a Comment